Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Concubine Goes to War

Last time, Yunxi brought up the topic of the Queen Mother's instructions, which immediately attracted the Emperor's interest.

"Your Majesty, the Queen Mother asked me to advise you to select some women with both moral integrity and talent to fill your harem, to expand the royal family... and to continue the lineage..." Yunxi said truthfully.

"This again, why does the Empress Dowager always make me worry!" The Emperor stared at Yunxi and continued, "What do you think? Do you also want me to select beauties to enrich my harem and give birth to my offspring?"

Yunxi bowed her head slightly and said softly, "How dare I disobey the Empress Dowager's order. The continuation of the royal bloodline is a major national event. As a member of the harem, I should share the emperor's worries. However, I think that although the selection of concubines is important, it should also be done with caution. People with both virtue and talent are good, but moral character and temperament should not be ignored. And only when everyone in the harem gets along harmoniously can it bring peace and happiness to the emperor."

"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in the emperor's eyes. He obviously didn't expect Yunxi to answer like that. He asked, "Then in your opinion, how should the selection be conducted?"

"I dare to suggest that they can be selected from the daughters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and various ministers, and then subjected to strict examination to ensure that they have noble moral character and outstanding talents. In this way, we can not only satisfy the wishes of the Empress Dowager, but also select virtuous concubines for the Emperor." Yunxi answered slowly.

"What a good one who obeys the imperial order!" The emperor said half praisingly and half angrily.

Then he continued, "Well, since you all think that I should fill my harem, I will order the Imperial Observatory to choose a day for the selection. You can leave now!"

Yunxi bowed respectfully and slowly left the palace. She felt sad in her heart, because she knew that this was just the beginning and the next draft would be a fierce competition.

And she must find a way to protect her own and her family's interests in this fight.

After Yunxi left, the emperor looked thoughtfully in the direction she left, thinking to himself: "Yunxi is indeed different, not only outstanding in appearance, but also extremely intelligent." He understood that the selection of concubines was not only for the continuation of the royal family, but also a game of power. Officials from all walks of life sent their daughters to the palace in an attempt to improve their own status through marriage.

Although Yunxi is deeply favored by the emperor, it is still unknown whether she can maintain her position in this complicated court struggle.

The emperor was well aware that this selection was of great importance and any mistake could lead to turmoil in the court.

Therefore, he decided to personally supervise the selection and not let those with ill intentions succeed. He wanted to choose a truly suitable concubine who could help him govern the country and also be with him through thick and thin.

At the same time, Yunxi also began to plot secretly. She knew that in this treacherous harem, it was far from enough to rely on the emperor's favor. She wanted to use this selection to make friends with some powerful concubines and consolidate her power in the harem. Only in this way could she be invincible in the future court struggles.

However, the cruelty of the palace struggle was far beyond Yunxi's imagination. In this place full of conspiracies and intrigues, everyone had ulterior motives and would do anything to gain power and status. Yunxi had to carefully maneuver among them, as the slightest mistake could lead to eternal damnation.

But she did not back down, but moved forward step by step with her own wisdom and courage. In the process, she met some like-minded sisters, who supported each other and jointly faced various challenges in the palace.

As the selection draws near, the atmosphere in the palace becomes increasingly tense. All parties are ready to make a final effort to fight for their own interests. Yunxi knows that this is an important turning point in her life, and she must go all out to win in this war without gunpowder...

Suddenly, the whole capital was in an uproar. The streets, alleys, and inside and outside the city walls were covered with notices. It turned out that the emperor was about to hold a talent show of unprecedented scale! This news was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up thousands of waves.

At this moment, the Yang residence outside the palace was not peaceful either. Yang's father and mother were discussing this important event in a low voice, and their expressions seemed a little solemn. While the two were talking, a eunuch from the palace suddenly came to Yang's residence to convey an imperial decree, summoning Yang's father to the palace to meet the emperor immediately.

Yang Binghuai knew that this matter was of great importance. He did not dare to delay for a moment. He hurriedly dressed and followed the eunuchs to the palace. The carriage wheels rolled forward and soon arrived at the magnificent palace. After getting off the carriage, Yang Binghuai hurriedly headed straight for the Xingqing Palace where the emperor was.

Along the way, he was nervous, but also curious: Why did the emperor summon him? Was it because of the selection? All kinds of speculations came to his mind, making him more nervous. However, no matter what, he had to face the situation. After entering Xingqing Palace, Yang Binghuai knelt down and saluted, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

The emperor said, "Lord Yang, I summoned you here to discuss an important matter with you. I heard that you have a daughter named Yang Mengxi, who is both talented and beautiful, and has both virtue and morality. I intend to let her participate in this selection."

Yang Binghuai was shocked when he heard this. He never expected that the emperor would mention his daughter. He didn't know how to respond for a moment, but he was a minister after all, so he knew how to guess the emperor's intentions. He kowtowed and said, "Thanks to the emperor's kindness, my daughter is lucky to have this opportunity."

The emperor smiled and nodded, expressing his satisfaction, and said solemnly: "I have heard a little about Yang Aiqing's daughter, and I believe she will not disappoint my expectations. However, the selection of concubines is related to the dignity of the royal family, and it must be carried out strictly according to the rules. Yang Aiqing must teach his daughter well and don't make any mistakes."

After a pause, the emperor continued, "You have finally come to the palace, it's time for you to go see Yunxi." After saying this, the emperor's eyes fell on Yang Binghuai and looked at him meaningfully.

Yang Binghuai seemed to sense the emperor's deep meaning, and his heart tightened, but he immediately knelt down and kowtowed, indicating that he would obey the emperor's will. He said loudly: "I obey your order! I will do my best and live up to your trust."

When Yang Binghuai stood up, he quietly wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. He already understood the emperor's intention... This made him feel a little nervous and uneasy.

After leaving the palace, Yang Binghuai's steps seemed a little heavy and slow. As he walked, he thought about what he would face next. Under the guidance of the palace servants, he walked towards the East Palace. Every step seemed to carry a huge pressure, and he could only bear it silently.